Rivers Boils as Sole Administrator Ibas Sacks 23 LG Caretakers, Replaces RSIEC Boss Despite Court Order, Sparks Outrage Over Alleged Abuse of Power
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Wednesday faced heavy criticism following his abrupt dismissal of the 23 local government area (LGA) caretaker chairmen and the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.).
In a sweeping political move, Ibas replaced the LGA caretaker committees with appointed administrators across the state and named Dr. Michael Odey as the new RSIEC chairman. Odey is set to work with a six-member team, including four university professors.
The announcement came barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt ordered Ibas to appear before it to justify why the court should not stop him from making the LGA appointments. The court, presided over by Justice Adamu Muhammed, issued the summons in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by rights activist Courage Msirimovu.
Details of the appointments were released in a special government announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement said the new appointments and reconstitution of boards for previously suspended agencies, commissions, and parastatals will take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.
This development is the latest in a string of unilateral decisions made by Ibas since assuming office. Last week, he suspended all heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and cancelled all ongoing procurement and tender processes in the state, citing the absence of a budgetary framework and the effect of a recent Supreme Court judgment. He also directed MDAs to refund fees collected from contractors for cancelled tenders.
Additionally, Ibas approved appointments into the State Civil Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission, triggering a wave of condemnation from political stakeholders and civil society groups.
Reacting, the Special Adviser on Electronic Media to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Jerry Omatsogunwa, described Ibas’ actions as “impunity taken too far.” He accused the sole administrator of acting like “a lord unto himself” and flouting both court orders and democratic norms.
“The court asked him not to proceed and to appear before it, but less than 24 hours later, he released 23 names as new LGA administrators. This is not democracy,” Omatsogunwa said.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, issued an open letter condemning the dismantling of democratic structures under Ibas’ watch. He described the ongoing developments as a “systematic tearing down” of institutions and warned that such actions were beyond the mandate of a sole administrator.
Igali, a retired diplomat, said the removal of the governor’s photographs from public buildings and the suspension of statutory bodies like RSIEC and traditional councils were indicative of a broader constitutional crisis.
“I have read the Gazette appointing you and the proceedings from the National Assembly. Nowhere does it grant the sweeping powers being exercised. Your duty is to manage, not to dismantle,” Igali stated.
Veteran politician and member of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Council, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, also rejected the appointments, insisting that Ibas lacks the constitutional authority to hire or fire anyone. He likened the situation to a political coup, questioning the legality of Ibas’ appointment in the first place.
“The President cannot suspend elected officials or appoint a state administrator without due process. Section 305 of the constitution does not empower such actions,” Sara-Igbe argued.
In a bold reaction, the Rivers Emancipation Movement (REM) threatened mass protests. Its president, Solomon Tamunotonye, alleged that the newly appointed LGA administrators are loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and accused Ibas of deepening the state’s political crisis.
“This move violates the constitution and Supreme Court rulings on grassroots democracy. It’s a partisan act that will only fuel more unrest,” Tamunotonye warned.
However, not all voices oppose Ibas’ actions. The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, defended the appointments. He argued that the absence of elected officials and a functioning electoral commission necessitated interim action.
“The Supreme Court said no funds should go to non-democratic councils. The administrator found empty councils. He had no choice but to appoint administrators and reconstitute RSIEC to pave the way for local elections,” Chinda said.
He dismissed allegations of contempt, stating, “Show me where the constitution says he cannot do this. There’s no violation of Section 305.”
As the political storm intensifies, the legality and legitimacy of Ibas’ sweeping actions continue to be hotly debated, with many calling for restraint and adherence to constitutional principles.
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, on Wednesday faced heavy criticism following his abrupt dismissal of the 23 local government area (LGA) caretaker chairmen and the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.).){kind=link}